Hundreds of young people pack Arc de Triomf after a viral meet-up with no ‘therians’

Arc de Triomf saw an unusual afternoon. Hundreds of young people came to a viral meet-up expecting to see “therians”, but found only costumes and great anticipation. Curiosity filled the promenade and social media went wild.

This Saturday, Arc de Triomf became the epicentre of youthful curiosity in Barcelona. A viral call-out on social media promised a gathering of “therians”, the phenomenon sweeping through teenagers, and the anticipation drew hundreds of people to Passeig de Lluís Companys.

Even before the appointed time, the esplanade filled with raised mobile phones. Groups of young people recorded, livestreamed and tried to capture the moment for their social networks. At seven in the evening, the atmosphere was that of an improvised festival, with the space completely occupied by teenagers and curious onlookers.

The presence of the supposed “therians” never materialised. However, the crowd did not leave empty-handed: amid the throng, a young person dressed as a cat imitated feline movements, surrounded by cameras and laughter. Others chose gorilla masks or full costumes, becoming the focus of all eyes and selfies. A unicorn even appeared among the crowd, prompting yet more recordings.

At some points, small groups threw pet food onto the ground and made mocking gestures, although the atmosphere remained festive and incident-free. Far from being an organised meeting, the event turned into a spontaneous gathering where virality and the desire to share the experience exceeded any initial expectation.

Beyond its role as a monument, Arc de Triomf has become established in recent years as a meeting point for all kinds of urban movements and youth trends. Its central location and broad promenade make it a regular setting for demonstrations, celebrations and viral phenomena. Ease of access and visibility on social media have meant that any call-out, however unusual it may seem, can transform the space within minutes.